[ARCHIVED THREAD] - House Carry (Page 1 of 4)
Posted: 3/22/2012 2:37:47 PM EDT
|
Just curious as to how many people here carry IN their house. I live in a very nice area, and I know that doesn’t really mean anything as far as threats go, just thought I'd mention it. So once the jeans/belt/holster comes off, I lounge around in gym shorts and a t-shirt, so there really isn’t anywhere to “put” it. So my question to all you “House Carriers”:
Do you just keep your jeans/belt/holster on, or have another method when you dress down? Or do you just have guns all over the place? I know a guy at work that has a handgun hidden on each floor of his house, unlocked (I think that’s a bad idea personally). Anyways, just curious. -Eskimo |
|
People take their gun off because they either have a carry method that isn't comfortable or they don't want others in the house to see the gun.
I'm carrying an M&P 9c or full size even before I put pants on. I either use a customized smartcarry holster or THIS solution I'm a fit 5'8" with a 32" waist. 160-165lbs. This solution didn't work as well when my belly was big though. |
|
I carry in the house. If I'm fully dressed, it's on my belt or in my pocket (depending on firearm in use at the time). If I'm in pj's, then usually it's a NAA Guardian (32acp) within reach. When I sleep, it's usually Glock 21 a few steps away. I intentionally place it a few steps away, so I'm fully awake if I need to go to my gun. The Glock has night sights: often I'll wake in the night and I'll see the night sights glowing...tends to be reassuring in a way. All my guns, are always in a trigger covering holster even if not on my person (unless in the safe).
George |
|
Quoted:
People take their gun off because they either have a carry method that isn't comfortable or they don't want others in the house to see the gun. An odd, narrow view but accurate in some cases I'm sure. I carry at home pretty often. Especially if I'm working out in the yard or still working inside. If I am relaxing and in my pjs I almost always have one accessable. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
People take their gun off because they either have a carry method that isn't comfortable or they don't want others in the house to see the gun. An odd, narrow view but accurate in some cases I'm sure. I carry at home pretty often. Especially if I'm working out in the yard or still working inside. If I am relaxing and in my pjs I almost always have one accessable. I'll bet if Folks were honest about it, either of these two reasons would cover 95% of the reasons. I notice that you didn't mention why your gun isn't on your person 100% of the time you are at home. |
| I don't have multiple handguns to store around the house. I also don't have a holster or gun that is good for dress down carry. I do however keep my glock 36 in the same room as I am. It sits right next to the keyboard when I'm at my desk. When I'm sleeping it's under my pillow. Chiche i know but it works for me. I sleep light so being fully awake isn't an issue. The only modification I make is I keepin condition three. Wife is not as comfortable as I am with firearms as I am so I do that for her. |
|
I wear jeans around the house most of the time (or cargo shorts in the summer) and either swap to pocket carry or swap to open carry. (an entirely different gun and holster) Sometimes I just take a gun with me when I park my butt in front of the TV or computer. I live alone, so a loaded shotgun near the computer isn't a big deal. Maybe re-examine what is causing you to want to take off your clothes when you get home and address that? If your pants are uncomfortable, maybe it's time to switch something out. Or, get a shoulder holster, that's going to be more conducive to the type of things you will do at home (take a dump, lounge around, etc.).
|
| Nope, don't see a need to. When I'm at home I lounge around in my boxers and a T-shirt. My holster is very comfortable but IMO home is where you should be able to relax and let you guard down some. If not, you need to find another place to live. That being said, I make sure there's either my Glock or shotty in short distance from me and my doors/windows are always locked no matter what time of day it is. |
| if Im dressed yes. rarely do I walk around the house without pants on. if I do the gun is on the bed side table. I put my pants on when I get up, go to the bed side table and reholster my weapon. At night before bed/shower I walk to the bed side table and place my weapon on it, then go take my pants off. |
|
Wow, there is an awful lot of "my way is the only right way" in this thread.
Despite the fact that all my regular "soft" clothes are plenty comfortable, I spend all my time around the house in gym shorts (warm weather) or sweat pants (cold weather) and a t-shirt. Since I wear a uniform, vest, and duty belt so often I really want to dress down when I can. I always carry around the house, but my house carry gun is a Ruger LCP clipped inside the waistband of my shorts or pants. I have small children, so stashing loaded guns around the house unsecured isn't an option. I have a lock box in the kitchen that holds my duty gun, BUG, Taser, and regular off-duty gun and another lock box in my bedroom that has my M&P45 and my wife's gun. I have an AR out most of the time when I am home, but it isn't loaded, though loaded magazines are available. I don't fault anyone who wants to be armed with their regular carry gun around the house, nor do I fault anyone who simply has a gun available easily but not on their person. Home is supposed to be a place where one can relax and let one's guard down. My concession is carrying my little LCP all the time, but i refuse to spend all my time dressed as if I am about to run out the door to work. |
| I carry around the house. Most days after I get off the treadmill I put on some old worn out jeans and carry a S&W 3913 in an IWB. While on the treadmill, the 3913 is next to me. If it is a day where I'm not gonna be on the treadmill, I just keep my regular setup on (Glock 22 for work days, Glock 19 if I'm off,) and I ditch the ankle gun when I get home. |
|
Quoted:
Just curious as to how many people here carry IN their house. I live in a very nice area, and I know that doesn’t really mean anything as far as threats go, just thought I'd mention it. So once the jeans/belt/holster comes off, I lounge around in gym shorts and a t-shirt, so there really isn’t anywhere to “put” it. So my question to all you “House Carriers”: Do you just keep your jeans/belt/holster on, or have another method when you dress down? Or do you just have guns all over the place? I know a guy at work that has a handgun hidden on each floor of his house, unlocked (I think that’s a bad idea personally). Anyways, just curious. -Eskimo I carry everywhere, so yes.... |
|
Quoted:
Nope, don't see a need to. When I'm at home I lounge around in my boxers and a T-shirt. My holster is very comfortable but IMO home is where you should be able to relax and let you guard down some. If not, you need to find another place to live. That being said, I make sure there's either my Glock or shotty in short distance from me and my doors/windows are always locked no matter what time of day it is. I feel the same way. we did live in an apartment where I would carry all the time due to some shady bullshit going on there. it was probably the most stressful period of my life. I was always on my guard, I couldn't sleep, my eating habits were strange, my work was impacted, etc. it was a total mess. Once our lease was up we moved out to a seclude townhouse community in a rural suburb. After a month, I was finally comfortable enough there to take the gun off my hip and relax. that night was the most enjoyable, restful night of sleep i've ever had. now I keep guns within arms reach when i'm home and rely on the deadbolts, alarm system, and two GSDs to give me enough warning and delay the threat long enough (matter of seconds) for me to grab one of them. |
|
IMO home is where you should be able to relax and let your guard down some. If not, you need to find another place to live
100% agree here, though I understand finding a new place to live is not always an available option to everyone. I do not have the available energy to walk around in a constant state of complete awareness and readiness when I am at home. I would exhaust myself in about 3 days if I tried to do that. 
bluesticky |
|
I dress casual at work so there really is no need for me to change into "comfortable clothes" when I get home.
My CCW is part of my daily wardrobe so it gets carried either openly or concealed 98% of the time that im awake. There is the rare occasion that ill change into PJ pants or gym shorts and then a pistol usually stays on the kitchen counter JIC. I dont really treat it as a "I must be armed all the time" so much as its just a routine for me. I also feel its more secure than leaning a loaded weapon in the corner- especially as the kiddos get older, or IF I need to use it, trying to get to a part of the house where I have access to a loaded firearm. No badassery or bravado here. |
|
Quoted:
Nope, don't see a need to. When I'm at home I lounge around in my boxers and a T-shirt. My holster is very comfortable but IMO home is where you should be able to relax and let you guard down some. If not, you need to find another place to live. That being said, I make sure there's either my Glock or shotty in short distance from me and my doors/windows are always locked no matter what time of day it is. You should probably keep your idiotic opinions to yourself.... 
|
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Nope, don't see a need to. When I'm at home I lounge around in my boxers and a T-shirt. My holster is very comfortable but IMO home is where you should be able to relax and let you guard down some. If not, you need to find another place to live. That being said, I make sure there's either my Glock or shotty in short distance from me and my doors/windows are always locked no matter what time of day it is. You should probably keep your idiotic opinions to yourself.... First of all......  Secondly, so home shouldn't be where you can relax and let your guard down? I dont get what is so idiotic.
|
|
I just carry almost all the time....few times I don't..it's not like I'm missing something...so I haven't fallen victim to " the need". But understand with only one leg I can't cover ground like you bipeds...the PPS is easy to carry all the time so I do...to me it's like having my wallet on me...unlike my damm phone I'm always leaving it here their and everywhere. I always have my knife on me though.  Comments about relaxing I find funny...that's a personality trait...having a firearm on me doesn't make me tense...or more relaxed...it's just their if I need it...I don't live to need it. So you understand my area..I live in upper middle class established neighborhood..with a few rental homes..lot sizes are small with large homes..one block from main st...small break in happen every now and then...but my neighbor got 5 rounds of 38 shot at his porch at 4am last fall...2 people called it in...me being one..( one reason I don't consider loud rounds a negative..like 357sig)..the renters that got the house shot up, didn't even know what it was and ignored it...turned out to be a gang member had the wrong house and a year behind his quarry... This coupled with the amount of dogs in the area and my young kids equals I carry easy 95% of the time. NH has the Castle law...OC and I have my CCL |
|
Quoted:
I just carry almost all the time....few times I don't..it's not like I'm missing something...so I haven't fallen victim to " the need". But understand with only one leg I can't cover ground like you bipeds...the PPS is easy to carry all the time so I do...to me it's like having my wallet on me...unlike my damm phone I'm always leaving it here their and everywhere. I always have my knife on me though. Comments about relaxing I find funny...that's a personality trait...having a firearm on me doesn't make me tense...or more relaxed...it's just their if I need it...I don't live to need it. So you understand my area..I live in upper middle class established neighborhood..with a few rental homes..lot sizes are small with large homes..one block from main st...small break in happen every now and then...but my neighbor got 5 rounds of 38 shot at his porch at 4am last fall...2 people called it in...me being one..( one reason I don't consider loud rounds a negative..like 357sig)..the renters that got the house shot up, didn't even know what it was and ignored it...turned out to be a gang member had the wrong house and a year behind his quarry... This coupled with the amount of dogs in the area and my young kids equals I carry easy 95% of the time. NH has the Castle law...OC and I have my CCL Makes sense. If people carry cause they choose to then cool. If people carry cause they live in an area that demands a carry weapon, I still say move. Thats one less factor to having something bad happen. |
| YEP. Pretty much the only time I'm not carrying is when I'm at work. No carrying at work...my boss thinks guns kill people so no guns allowed. But yes I carry at home. I'm one of those guys that stays dressed until I actually get in the bed then its next to the bed. |
|
Well, at the risk of having MillerSHO show up to call me a liar again...
When I get dressed, it includes my Glock 26 IWB. Stays there 'til I get undressed, just like my wallet, keys, knife, yadda yadda. The only times I'm not wearing a pistol are the times I'm not carrying other EDC pocket litter. I don't empty my pockets or remove the holster from my pants until I put clean pants on the next morning - that way, if I need to get up unexpectedly, I have all my stuff as soon as I pull my pants on. |
| Well, I live twenty-five miles from the nearest town, so I just have pistols laying around the house. Sometimes I go outside to work and don't carry, but there was an attempted burglary couple miles away and the home owner held one guy with his pistol and the sheriff's department caught the other guy walking the road close by. So, I probably need to pay attention and start carrying when I'm working outside. |
|
Some crazy opinions in here.
Just because your gun is on you at home, doesn't mean you need to be at a heightened state of alertness, and you will not stress yourself to death in 3 days. If thats the case, how the hell do you carry day to day out in public, you must be a walking talking pile of pulling your hair out?!?!?! I feel the same at home as I do elsewhere, its not a big deal, Im just being safe. And in the same sense, just being home does not make you safe, just because you should be able to relax there does not mean you won't need to defend yourself. Shit, the best time to hit somebody is when they least expect it. When I was about 17 me and my mother where in the kitchen one hot summer day. I was just chatting with her about where I was about to go. (I was on my way out with my skateboard) As I turned to leave, a man walked right in our door, I was about 8 feet from him and my mother maybe 4 feet behind me. He opened the door in a hurry, charged in and then just stood up straight almost in amazement that we were there! You wouldnt believe how fast it all happens unless you've lived it. He was far bigger than me. We had somewhat of a standoff, no words, just me staring him in the face and him staring at me, it was probably only a second or two but I swear it felt like an hour. Like in a dream when you have to move fast but are stuck in molasses. Excruciating feeling, Ill never forget it. Once I got a grip on the situation I cocked my skateboard up to my shoulder and said "Who the fuck are you?!" Then he just exited as fast as he came in. I don't know if it was me who scared him off or maybe he was just drunk and walked into the wrong house. Ill never know, cops never got him. Ill tell you though I don't think it would have gone the same way without the skateboard, I've never been so happy to have a potential weapon in my hand. FWIW, we live in a really nice area too! Now, gun never gets too far from me, especially at home. I carry it on me right up until I get into bed, when I slip it in my nightstand drawer. You know how pissed I would be if the one time I needed to defend myself I couldn't because my dumb ass wanted to "lounge around" in comfy pants? You ever hear the statistic that goes something like, your are 90% more likely to get into a car accident within 10 miles of your house? Its because 90% of your driving takes place within 10 miles of your house. If you spend 90% of your free time at home, thats likely where you will need to defend yourself. So why even own a gun if its not immediately accessible. The way some of these posts sound, half these people may as well check them at their own door.
My $.02, if you don't have your gun on you the one instant moment you need it, then all the times you DID have it on you were a waste of energy, money, nerves, time, life, whatever. . . . |
|
Quoted:
Some crazy opinions in here. Just because your gun is on you at home, doesn't mean you need to be at a heightened state of alertness, and you will not stress yourself to death in 3 days. If thats the case, how the hell do you carry day to day out in public, you must be a walking talking pile of pulling your hair out?!?!?! I feel the same at home as I do elsewhere, its not a big deal, Im just being safe. And in the same sense, just being home does not make you safe, just because you should be able to relax there does not mean you won't need to defend yourself. Shit, the best time to hit somebody is when they least expect it. When I was about 17 me and my mother where in the kitchen one hot summer day. I was just chatting with her about where I was about to go. (I was on my way out with my skateboard) As I turned to leave, a man walked right in our door, I was about 8 feet from him and my mother maybe 4 feet behind me. He opened the door in a hurry, charged in and then just stood up straight almost in amazement that we were there! He was far bigger than me. We had somewhat of a standoff, no words, just me staring him in the face and him staring at me, it was probably only a second or two but I swear it felt like an hour. Like in a dream when you have to move fast but are stuck in molasses. Excruciating feeling, Ill never forget it. Once I got a grip on the situation I cocked my skateboard up to my shoulder and said "Who the fuck are you?!" Then he just exited as fast as he came in. I don't know if it was me who scared him off or maybe he was just drunk and walked into the wrong house. Ill never know, cops never got him. Ill tell you though I don't think it would have gone the same way without the skateboard, I've never been so happy to have a potential weapon in my hand. FWIW, we live in a really nice area too! Now, gun never gets too far from me, especially at home. I carry it on me right up until I get into bed, when I slip it in my nightstand drawer. You know how pissed I would be if the one time I needed to defend myself I couldn't because my dumb ass wanted to "lounge around" in comfy pants? You ever hear the statistic that goes something like, your are 90% more likely to get into a car accident within 10 miles of your house? Its because 90% of your driving takes place within 10 miles of your house. If you spend 90% of your free time at home, thats likely where you will need to defend yourself. So why even own a gun if its not immediately accessible. The way some of these posts sound, half these people may as well check them at their own door.
My $.02, if you don't have your gun on you the one instant moment you need it, then all the times you DID have it on you were a waste of energy, money, nerves, time, life, whatever. . . . Good points indeed. In the same sense, just because you have your gun on you at home doesn't mean you will be ready for when something does happen. I have a 1 year old at home who likes to roll around and play with me and there's just no way I'm doing that with a gun on my hip. I live in a place where crime is very low. Doesn't mean something can't happen but its unlikely. If it does than I have a plan of action to assessing the threat. I don't need a gun on my hip at all times to do that. I'm not trying to convince anyone to do as I do, just stating what I do. YMMV. ETA: also seems like some people get their panties in a bunch because others methods are different then theirs. Lots of symbols in this thread. I put my pants on left leg first, hope that doesn't agitated anyone who goes right first 
|
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
People take their gun off because they either have a carry method that isn't comfortable or they don't want others in the house to see the gun. An odd, narrow view but accurate in some cases I'm sure. I carry at home pretty often. Especially if I'm working out in the yard or still working inside. If I am relaxing and in my pjs I almost always have one accessable. I'll bet if Folks were honest about it, either of these two reasons would cover 95% of the reasons. I notice that you didn't mention why your gun isn't on your person 100% of the time you are at home. I simply don't feel the need to have it on me 100% of the time. I know the physical security of my home and property. The pistol is not the first line of defense. You arguing with me about my security at home is ridiculous becasue you have no idea how it is set up. Carry 100% of the time if you want. I'm sure that you don't carry every moment of every day, but I do see what you're getting at. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Nope, don't see a need to. When I'm at home I lounge around in my boxers and a T-shirt. My holster is very comfortable but IMO home is where you should be able to relax and let you guard down some. If not, you need to find another place to live. That being said, I make sure there's either my Glock or shotty in short distance from me and my doors/windows are always locked no matter what time of day it is. You should probably keep your idiotic opinions to yourself.... First of all...... Secondly, so home shouldn't be where you can relax and let your guard down? I dont get what is so idiotic.Ever head of home invasions? They happen in all areas of the country. Doesn't matter if you're living in Beverly Hills or South Beach, or Between, GA. Fortune favors the prepared, and I live my life by the Boy Scout motto.... |
 Quoted:
Good points indeed. In the same sense, just because you have your gun on you at home doesn't mean you will be ready for when something does happen. I have a 1 year old at home who likes to roll around and play with me and there's just no way I'm doing that with a gun on my hip. I live in a place where crime is very low. Doesn't mean something can't happen but its unlikely. If it does than I have a plan of action to assessing the threat. I don't need a gun on my hip at all times to do that. I'm not trying to convince anyone to do as I do, just stating what I do. YMMV. ETA: also seems like some people get their panties in a bunch because others methods are different then theirs. Lots of symbols in this thread. I put my pants on left leg first, hope that doesn't agitated anyone who goes right first I hear you brother, and great point with the kiddo. I should make it clear my CCW isn't always on me at home, but rather is always readily accessible. Im a very physical guy, some activities and CCW just do not mix, so it does come off my belt. But I do disapprove of the, "I get home and put my gun in the safe upstairs while I watch TV downstairs" approach. More or less, if Im in the living room, bathroom, bed room etc, so is my gun. (9 out of 10 times) JFYI, I try to switch up which leg first, and at least once a week I try to jump in both legs simultaneously , helps to remind me to laugh at myself. 
|
|
I do and I don't. There is always at least one gun out somewhere near me unless people are over, which is mostly due to the fact that my carry gun goes on the desk next to my bed when I sleep. If someone rings the doorbell in the middle of the day and I'm not expecting company, I answer with the gun in my left hand and open the door with my right because that way I'm behind a wall off to the side of the door.
Not something I think about anymore, it just happens. I don't worry when I'm home that doom and gloom is always around the corner, but if I hear shit going on outside I'm grabbing something and checking it out. I did have someone try to kick my front door in about four years ago at about 1am, but it's not a paranoia thing at all. |
|
The honest answer is "more than likely". If I've been in and out, or am dressed from the day, or working outside, then yes. However, there may be a point at the end of the day I'm winding it down and I want to take a shower, put on some shorts and a t shirt, maybe drink a beer, whatever. I don't feel the need to put up my G19 and duct tape my LCP to my taint for the rest of the day because I've taken my pants off and want to sit in my living room for a few minutes.
I feel like I have some above average home security habits and have taken some steps to make my house a less inviting target than others in my neighborhood, but anything is possible. All of that is centered around giving me reaction time once I'm alerted to anything going on outside my home. If a home invasion crew wants to stack up outside my house and is willing to batter the door down, I have bigger problems than most handgun/shooter combinations are likely to solve. CCW can definitely be a part of an integrated home security plan, but its only a component, IMO, and not a substitute for other home defense measures. |
| I guess I should clear up my post. I'm not freaked out about it, but a sidearm is part of the crap I put on my belt and in my pants every morning. When I come home I empty my pockets except my sidearm. Sometimes I change sidearms (just because I feel like it...), but I still keep one on. No big deal. |
|
I get up in the morning and grab my pocket knife and pistol,it's just normal for me,admittedly of late I've skipped grabbing the Sig 2022 and just stick the Beretta 21A in my pocket but I'm still armed 24/7
Now you don't have to carry all the time at home but if you get it to be second nature it becomes easier when you go out into the wide world. |
|
I don't carry all the time at home, but most. To me, that IS the way to relax and let my guard down. Having a gun within reach means my SA can be lower than worrying about what I would do if someone broke in at any given time. In this case, the answer's always the same, grab the gun on my hip. I mean, I can't be the only one that's ever had the "huh, if someone kicked in my door right now I'd be screwed because my guns are in the safe upstairs" thought, that to me causes more stress and less relaxation than having my gun within reach.
I'm also not paranoid, and while the above reason is solid enough for most, honestly I just like to carry as much as possible so I'm as used to it as possible and allow it to become a habit. It also gives me the opportunity to pull it out, pop out the mag and round in the chamber and practice drawing when I'm bored and have a few minutes free. |
|
In the yard yes.
In the house, usually not.... I have strategically placed items throughout the house.  Having two yappy puppies doesn't hurt for notification that someone is around. The bitch barks at car doors and he growls any time any one is even distantly near. The good news is that they would both as soon lick someone to death as opposed to bite someone. (I won't have a dog that bites. Too many little kids in the neighborhood.)
YMMV |
| I usually do not. I have a place I put all my EDC stuff on when I get home. Where I work, I HAVE to get out of the clothes I worked in that day, they are always drenched in sweat and chemicals so I have to get a shower as soon as I am home. When I put on my lazy clothes for the night I don't bother putting on a gun. However, the safe is always open when I am home and I am never far from a gun or two. Yes, it's possible a ninja could break in right as I am deep in the refridgerator and cut me off from my gun but that is a chance I take. |
